Students' Union

"Your Union of Students is where you find everything that you need for social events, and support, academic and political advice."

Every student at the University of Bradford is automatically a member of the Students’ Union. The UBU is where you will find everything you need to compliment your student life, whether that is expanding your skills through sports, societies, media areas or volunteering; meeting new friends or enjoying our entertainments; joining with like-minded students in areas of politics; or getting academic or social advice and support

The UBU is located, for this year, in a refreshed Kirkstone Halls, just behind the JB Priestley library, whilst the Communal Building is undergoing a multi-million pound refit. From September 2010 the Students’ Union will have brand new bar, shop and media areas plus more meeting space and a better connection with the learning side of the university.

During the re-fit the UBU will still offer all of its great services including a fully stocked union shop, a bar and all its advice resources. Other facilities such as the UBoutique – the second hand store; RamAir, the radio station; and sports and societies will also continue, plus the Union will be working with a city centre nightclub to offer regular weekly club events whilst its own is being refurbished.

The Union is also the representative body for students. It sits on all the University committees, making sure that the student voice is heard and that you are represented. If you have a problem or need advice about academic appeals, immigration or welfare issues then the UBU can help.

If you want to get involved in some of the union campaigns – such as free education, better tutor system, or help with the running of the union – then you can stand for the union council, the body of students that manage the union.

There are also elections held every spring to elect six students to the six sabbatical roles who work in six different areas as part of the union: Academic Affairs; Ethics, Environment and Welfare; Media; Student Activities; Secretary-Treasurer; and Women’s Liberation.

The UBU has over thirty sports, including everything from rugby, cricket and football to archery, trampolining and sub aqua, and over sixty societies, Karaoke, Medieval Re-enactment, Anti Nuclear, Samba, BAPS (Pharmacy), and many other activity, campaigning, departmental, religious and international societies.

As well as these, there are lots of volunteering opportunities in the local area available from UCAN, which can help you improve your CV, compliment your course, or allow you to give something back to the community.

The UBU has three main media areas. RamAir 1350AM is one of the longest running student radio stations in the country and broadcasts both of the 1350AM frequency and online at www.ramair.co.uk. Run by students, it operates 24/7 through term-time and offers roles for presenting, engineering, news, music, gig reviews and much more. The Bradford Student is the monthly newspaper featuring articles, news, what’s on and much more; to contribute e-mail ubu-mmc@bradford.ac.uk. The Bradford Student Cinema (BSC) regularly shows films in the Great Hall; for more information e-mail ubu-meo@bradford.ac.uk.

The UBU offers many commercial services to students. We have our own shop selling food, stationery, clothing and much more; a bar offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus a range of foods; and regular student nights. Examples of entertainment nights we put on in 2008 / 09 include: a weekly Friday night disco; comedy nights; a comedy hypnotist; a Christmas Market; Karaoke evenings; Guitar Hero sessions; and the massive end of year ‘Party On The Amp’ day including food, live DJing and a massive water slide.

The Union also boasts an outdoor tiered grass area for having a nice laid back BBQ to having the full on beach party (live bands and activities throughout the day, which we have at the end of every year). This space is for everyone's use great for a BBQ when the weather is good. It's also a place all year round to play cricket, football or whatever takes your fancy.

The Students’ Union is here to support each and every student studying in Bradford.